Curtis Paul Davis

DAVIS, Curtis Paul, 87, passed away quietly on Wednesday evening, March 14, 2012 at his home in Seffner, Florida. Curt, as he was known to all who knew and loved him, was born on March 4, 1925 in Riddlesbury, Pennsylvania, son of the late Harry and Alverda (Oakes) Davis. Curt retired from the United States Air Force in 1972 after a distinguished twenty-seven year career. His rank at the time of retirement was that of Master Sergeant. He was a member of the local chapter of the Moose Lodge and was credited with holding every office except that of Governor. Since 1972, Curt was an active member of Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon where he served as lead usher for the 7:00 AM Mass. In 1952, Curt joined the Knights of Columbus and served continuously for over 60 years. During his tenure with the Knights of Columbus, Sir Knight Davis served the Council as both Financial Secretary and Grand Knight. He also served as Church Director of the Council. As a member of the Parish Men’s Club, Curt was a driving force behind many important projects including the Miller Road Clean Up Project, the annual Lenten Fish Fry and the Food Pantry. Due to his unrivaled dedication and devotion to his church and the Knights, on December 12, 2011, Curt was awarded the Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton Council of the Knights of Columbus, Brandon Chapter, Lifetime Meritorious Achievement Award. Because of his service and leadership, The Curtis P. Davis Lifetime Meritorious Achievement Award was established in his honor and will be awarded annually to a recipient who most reflects the quality of devotion and servitude Curt exemplified throughout his lifetime. He was preceded in death by his son, David; three brothers, Jack, Robert and Vernon; and two sisters, Almeda and Evelyn. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Frances M. Davis, and four children, Paul Davis (Julie) of Freedom Way, Washington, Mary Davis of Tampa, Florida, Denise Durden (Barry) of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and Janet Laird of Cameron Park, California; nine grandchildren, Matthew Davis, Kevin Davis, Kathleen Davis, Caroline Davis, Christopher Davis, Jason Wendle, Robert Laird III, Justin Laird, and Rebecca Laird; one great-grandchild, Robert Laird IV; and six siblings, Ruth Turner, Cleora Winegarner, Ken Davis, Peggy Trexler, Janet Holmes and Esther Potter. Friends will be received from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, on Sunday, March 18, 2012 at Stowers Funeral Home, 401 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, Florida. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM, Monday, March 19, 2012 at Nativity Catholic Church, 705 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, 33511. Contributions may be made to Nativity Catholic Church in memory of Curtis P. Davis.